The National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM) and e-Commerce Malaysia, a chapter of PIKOM, welcome the recent announcement by Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil that the government does not intend to block or close social media and other related platforms, including TikTok’s marketplace in Malaysia, TikTok Shop when he spoke to the press after the recording of Suara Anak Muda programme at Aswara on December 1, 2023.
“We are also heartened that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently developing a comprehensive framework to register and regulate social media and other related platforms within the country.
“Such policies should be formulated in collaboration with industry to ensure that upcoming regulations do not stifle innovation and, instead, encourage local businesses and the rakyat to embrace the benefits of being actively involved in Malaysia’s thriving Digital Economy.
“This upcoming initiative, which the honoured Minister said would be ready within a month, is a significant step towards further nurturing the continued growth of our country’s Digital Economy,” PIKOM said in a statement.
Other countries such as Australia and Indonesia have already implemented comprehensive policies to govern and regulate social media platforms. These policies are designed to ensure, amongst others, a ‘balanced’ approach whereby free speech flourishes without being undermined by the spread of ‘fake news’.
“Our previous engagements with both government bodies and private sector players have consistently advocated for a collaborative approach between both sides, particularly in areas affecting the digital marketplace and e-commerce landscape,” it added.
PIKOM and e-Commerce Malaysia reiterate that such regulations should also ensure that local businesses, products and enablers are prioritised over foreign players, thereby fostering a digital marketplace landscape whereby Malaysian enterprises can continuously thrive while maintaining competitive fairness.
In line with this, PIKOM and e-Commerce Malaysia firmly believe that businesses participating in e-commerce activities within our borders should work actively with locally-owned players.
This stance is to ensure that the benefits of digital trade accrue primarily to Malaysian entrepreneurs and not to foreign companies selling cross-border.
-NIAGATIMES
